A cyclist was killed north of Oliver, Wednesday afternoon, after being struck by a vehicle.

Witnesses at the scene describe a newer model, unregistered and uninsured, Chevrolet Impala driven by a 37-year-old Oliver man, heading south on Tucelnuit Drive when, for unknown reasons, it veered right, traveling along the paved shoulder and struck a south bound cyclist. (Police later retracted the statement about the car veering into the shoulder)

The cyclist, a 37-year-old Penticton man, was thrown over the vehicle, landing roadside in a thick brush.

Oliver RCMP and EHS arrived just after 4 p.m. on the 7300 block of Tucelnuit Drive (new numbering – outside Town limits – near old turkey farm) and after examining the cyclist declared him deceased at the scene.

A traffic re-constructionist has been enlisted to assist with the investigation. Alcohol is not believed to be a factor at this time.

The matter is still under investigation. Police say a final report by a specialist will go to the crown prior to any charges being laid against the driver of the vehicle.

Police have yet to release the name of the cyclist but he is well known in the South Okanagan cyclist community.

Publisher’s comment: While parking my car and walking to the scene I can understand how dangerous this strip of roadway is. When travelling past the lake – cars pick up speed, are given opportunity to pass and the roadway is not very wide and paved shoulders hardly enough space for a walker or a cyclist outside the white line for safety. What must be done? Only public pressure to the local MLA or the Ministry of Highways will have a possible effect. Some of the statements in the police report are very interesting but until proven – we have no idea what happened on this piece of roadway last Wednesday.